Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Mona
GirlIrish, Italian· “uncertain; several possible sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible sources (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Italian
- Pronunciation
- MOH-nuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,806
- US babies 2025
- 61
- Best rank
- #230 (1950)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Mona
Mona is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Italian roots.
Mona has several possible sources, and its meaning is uncertain. It may come from the Irish Muadhnait, often linked to a word meaning noble, or serve as a short form of Italian madonna, meaning my lady, as in the title Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's famous portrait. In Arabic, a similar name, Muna, means wishes or desires. The name was used in English-speaking countries through the twentieth century and has a classic, understated feel. It is usually pronounced MOH-nuh. Mona is short and elegant and suits parents who like vintage names with artistic associations.
Popularity over time
Mona has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 106 different years. Its best national rank was #230 in 1950, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 1,231 were named Mona. In 2025, 61 babies were named Mona, and it ranked #2,806 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #411 in 1920, #230 in 1950, #951 in 1980, #1,467 in 2000, #2,197 in 2010, and #2,806 in 2025. Of the 45,787 US girls named Mona since records began, 24% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 8,795 babies. Since 2010, 1,548 more have been named Mona.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Laurel, Myra, Cathleen, Sheree, and Jeannie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mona ranked highest in Michigan, Illinois, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #1029 | 7 |
| Illinois | #1092 | 8 |
| California | #2047 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mona is usually pronounced MOH-nuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Mona
A few middle names that flow with Mona: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mona
Similar names
Donna Girl
DAH-nuh
“lady” · Italian
#1,965
Gina Girl
JEE-nuh
“short form of Regina or Georgina” · Italian
#2,085
Breanna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine form of Brian” · Irish
#2,548
Brenna Girl
BREH-nuh
Irish
#1,846
Oona Girl
OO-nuh
“from Irish Úna, possibly lamb or unity” · Irish
#2,768
Una Girl
OO-nuh
“lamb (Irish) or one (Latin)” · Irish
#3,245
Ena Girl
EE-nuh
“variant of Ina or Enya” · Irish
#3,482
Shanna Girl
SHA-nuh
“variant of Shannon, or of Shana” · Irish
#12,982
Gianna Girl
jee-AH-nuh
“God is gracious” · Italian
#33
Nina Girl
NEE-nuh
“short form of names like Antonina” · Russian
#324
Dana Girl
DAY-nuh
“uncertain; several possible origins” · English
#1,027
Cara Girl
KAHR-uh
“friend; dear” · Irish
#1,326
Lists that include Mona
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mona mean?
Mona is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Italian roots.
What is the origin of the name Mona?
Mona has Irish, Italian, and Arabic roots. Mona has several possible sources, and its meaning is uncertain.
Is Mona a popular name?
Not especially. Mona ranked #2,806 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mona a boy or girl name?
Mona is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mona?
Mona is usually pronounced MOH-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings